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Entertaining

Occasions

In Celebration of Love

Written by: Celia Chen

Make your Valentine’s Day an affair to remember with some creative entertaining ideas for the romantic night. For your significant other or a group of close friends, a thoughtful menu filled with signature cocktails, savory recipes and sweet treats will be much appreciated by your loved ones.

SIMPLY BETTER COCKTAILS
This occasion calls for a little bit of indulgence so why not serve a cocktail so decadent it could be called a dessert in a glass. The Café Ole, made with Stirrings Espresso Liqueur and Godiva Chocolate Liqueur, will set the sweet tone of your evening.

Since sparkling drinks are a celebratory favorite, try champagne flutes filled with Pink Grapefruit soda and a few frozen raspberries for a non-alcoholic toast.

SIMPLY BETTER FOOD
Preparing a romantic home-cooked meal for special someone is the perfect way to show how much you care. To avoid spending all of your time in the kitchen, stick to flavorful recipes that can be prepped in advance or prepared in a flash. A menu of baby spinach salad with hearts of palm followed by herb roasted fish and some simple sides would ensure a stress-free experience. Keep it light to save room for a molten chocolate cake for two.

Or, host a dessert-only themed party for a group of single friends! Gather an intimate party around pots of chocolate fondue with small plates of strawberries, sliced bananas, marshmallows, grilled pound cake and chunks of chocolate brownies. Guests might each have their own fork for dipping but the shared dish certainly encourages conversation and interaction.

SIMPLY BETTER TIMES
For your Valentine’s Day fete, love should be all around you! To engage all of your senses, use décor, music and lighting to bring romance into the room.

While red roses are traditionally the chosen flower of the holiday, any pretty bloom in a pink tone – ranging from bright fuchsia to pale blush would be a lovely alternative.

Get inspired with your Valentine’s Day play list by filing it with love songs by Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Michael Buble and Taylor Swift.
Let your loved one bathe in the glow of candlelight. Place unscented votives of different heights on your dinner table and around the room to cast a warm ambiance.

A seasoned event planner and entertaining expert, Celia Chen is the Founder and Editorial Director of Notes on a Party, an online magazine about entertaining that celebrates Events from the Inside Out™. For more inspiration, ideas and tips on party planning, visit www.notesonaparty.com

Directions
In an ice filled shaker combine all the ingredients, shake well and strain into a well chilled martini glass rimmed with Stirrings® Chocolate Martini Rimmer (optional) and/or a cinnamon stick stirrer

Directions
Warm the cream over moderate heat until tiny bubbles show and begins to lightly and slowly boil. Add the chocolate and whisk until smooth and full incorporated.

Immediately transfer to a fondue pot heated at low or with a low flame, or serve straight from the pot. If you are using a regular pot, once the chocolate is melted put an oven mitt down on the table and place the pot on top and begin to dip.

Caramelized onions
Heat oil in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions. Sauté until golden, about 18 minutes. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with vinegar; stir to blend. Season with salt and pepper.

Croutons
Preheat oven to 350°F. Place bread cubes in large bowl. Drizzle with oil, tossing constantly to coat evenly. Scatter cubes in single layer on rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake croutons until crisp, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.

DO AHEAD: Can be made 2 hours ahead. Let stand on sheet at room temperature.

Salad
Whisk oil and vinegar in small bowl. Season dressing with salt and pepper.
Place arugula in very large bowl. Drop in onions, tossing to distribute evenly. Add nuts, croutons, and blue cheese. Toss with enough dressing to coat lightly.

Rub the zest mixture over the chicken breasts. Place the chicken in a shallow 9 by 13-inch baking dish. Add the chicken stock, sherry wine, lemon juice and cranberries. Roast for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the juices run clear. Remove the chicken breasts and set aside.

Place the flour in a small saucepan. Whisk in the pan juices. Bring the juices to a boil over medium heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened. Whisk in the butter and season, to taste, with salt and pepper.

Red roses might be the obvious choice for Valentine’s Day but stylish hostesses know that there are many pretty blooms that can stand in their place. One of our favorite florists, Olivier Giugni of L’Olivier Floral Atelier, suggests sending single flower arrangements such as tightly packed bunches of red parrot tulips or pink ranunculus to say, “I love you,” in a chic and original way!

Sending guests home with a little party favor is a sweet gesture that makes the night just that more memorable. A small cellophane bag filled with French macarons or hard candy makes a tasty give-away. Simply cinch the top of the bag by tying it with a brightly hued ribbon.

Entertaining at home? Don’t let your television be an eye-sore. Make it into a pretty picture by turning off the sound and playing a classic romantic film like Sabrina or Breakfast at Tiffany’s in the background as your guests mingle in your living room.